Have your say on ranked ballot voting this election
While the City of Cambridge is not using ranked ballot voting for the 2018 election, a question will be included on the ballot to determine whether residents want ranked ballots for the next municipal election in 2022.
When voting in the 2018 election, in addition to choosing their candidates, voters will also see a question on the ballot asking them to indicate yes or no to the question: "Are you in favour of the City of Cambridge using a ranked ballot voting system for the 2022 municipal election?"
How does ranked ballot voting work?
With ranked ballots, rather than just choosing one candidate, voters rank the candidates according to their preference (first, second, third). The votes are counted and if one candidate receives a majority they win. If there is no majority the candidate with the least number of votes is eliminated and their voters' second choices are used and the votes are counted again. This continues until one candidate achieves a majority.
Watch a video explaining the process.
What happens after the vote?
The ranked ballot referendum results will be binding on the municipality (subject to some exceptions) if at least 50 per cent of all eligible electors vote on the question.
If this question receives a binding "no" result, the 2018-2022 City Council will not consider any change in the voting system during their term. If this question receives a binding "yes" result, the 2018-2022 City Council will work to implement the ranked ballot voting during their term.